Federal regulators have taken a consequential step in the fast-evolving kratom market by moving to schedule three highly potent kratom-related derivatives that authorities say act like opioids. The action marks a notable escalation beyond longstanding debates over kratom itself, focusing instead on newer, concentrated compounds that have become increasingly common in smoke shops, vape stores, and convenience outlets.

For the…
Continue Reading DEA Targets Kratom Derivatives in Major Controlled-Substance Shift

I keep hearing rumblings about AI pricing. So far most vendors seem content on charging on a subscription basis. Under that model you can input as much as you want at no increased cost. But a lot of the providers are losing money. And at some point they will have to turn a profit. To do that they may turn…
Continue Reading The Cost of AI Usage: Time To Throw In The Unrestrained Towel 

Meta Platforms has reportedly agreed to a sweeping $17.1 billion settlement with 29 states to resolve allegations tied to harms suffered by children and teens on Facebook and Instagram. Beyond the headline number, the deal is notable for pairing monetary relief with operational reforms aimed at how the platforms design, market, and manage products used by minors.

That combination makes…
Continue Reading Meta’s $17.1 Billion Multistate Youth-Safety Settlement Raises the Stakes for Social Platforms

Photo credit: Mark Palmer
Next month, I’ll be speaking at the Illinois State Bar Association’s 8th Annual Abraham Lincoln’s Legal Legacy seminar, which explores Lincoln’s legal philosophy and the ways it animated his career in the law and his presidency.
In preparing for this seminar, which is being co-presented by the Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission, I have spent…
Continue Reading How to Engage on Polarizing Issues This National Civility Month

The Tenth Circuit’s August 20, 2026 opinion in No. 25-1096 is a reminder that even relatively compact appellate decisions can carry meaningful procedural and strategic implications for litigants. While the significance of the ruling will depend on the underlying claims and posture of the appeal, the decision is most useful for practitioners as a guide to how the court is…
Continue Reading Tenth Circuit Opinion in No. 25-1096: Key Takeaways for Appellate Practitioners

Federal prosecutors in Massachusetts have unsealed an 11-count indictment against Lawrence Mayor Brian A. DePena, alleging he fraudulently obtained more than $1.5 million in COVID-era small-business relief funds and then laundered portions of the proceeds. The case, brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts after a federal grand jury investigation in Boston, immediately stands out as…
Continue Reading Lawrence Mayor Brian DePena Indicted Over Alleged $1.5 Million Pandemic Loan Fraud

The Federal Trade Commission has said it will file a stipulated order to resolve its litigation against Zillow and Redfin, signaling that a closely watched enforcement matter involving two of the best-known online real-estate platforms is nearing a negotiated finish rather than continuing through active court litigation.

Although the FTC’s announcement does not spell out the full terms, the move…
Continue Reading FTC, Zillow, and Redfin Move Toward Settlement in Antitrust Case

There have been several surveys and reports of late that suggest law firms are spending a lot of money on AI but they haven’t yet figured out how use to benefit their clients. Or themselves. The consulting firm Harbor recently came out with their own report. It’s a little short on statistics and methodology but the conclusions seem simialr to…
Continue Reading Law Firms Are Buying AI: But Are They Really Using It?

Photo credit: Carla Bender
Our Professionalism Spotlight series highlights Illinois legal professionals who demonstrate the ideals of professionalism in their careers.
In this Professionalism Spotlight, we spoke to Carla Bender, Fourth District Appellate Court Clerk.
In this role, Carla oversees the court’s administrative operations, including case processing, records management, scheduling, and case assignments, and serves as a liaison between the justices, attorneys,…
Continue Reading Professionalism Spotlight: Carla Bender, Fourth District Appellate Court Clerk